Celebrate Labor Day in Cloquet

When the Carlton County Central Labor Body officials voted on this year’s Labor Day celebration back in March, they had no way of forecasting what things would be like come September.

But they figured the parade was a safe bet, and that’s happening, starting at 11 a.m. Monday. Response has been good, said organizer Chad Turra, adding that it’s basically been a two-man show this year, with him and Joe Kneisel, respectively vice president and president of the Carlton County Central Labor Body, running things.

“This town was built on Labor -- there’s no way we weren’t doing this,” Tuura said. “This parade has been going on for more than 100 years, it’s a staple here. And it’s our way of giving back to the community and the kids.”

The parade — a regional highlight celebrating workers since 1917 — starts at 11 a.m. (with lineup starting at 10 a.m.) and runs down Cloquet Avenue from 18th to Eighth Street. There will be food trucks in the city parking lot at Cloquet Avenue and 11th Street before and after the parades.

Tuura said he hasn’t had any promises from Minnesota politicians such as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who often walks in

the Labor Day parade here. “More than likely, but nothing in stone,” Tuura said. “I’ve had some odd calls from people asking for times who refuse to give me their organization.”

Also Monday are the Lost Forester races at Pine Valley Park starting at 8:30 a.m. and the Labor Day Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northeastern Hotel and Saloon on Dunlap Island, with beer, brats and burgers available for purchase.

There is no Labor Day picnic, carnival or Oldtimers Banquet this year because of the pandemic and a lack of volunteers and funding for this year’s events.

Tuura said they welcome volunteers for Monday’s parade or planning next year’s event. Just email him at [email protected].

“It’s a rebuilding year,” he said. “We want to make it bigger and better next year and keep building.

the Labor Day parade here. “More than likely, but nothing in stone,” Tuura said. “I’ve had some odd calls from people asking for times who refuse to give me their organization.”

Also Monday are the Lost Forester races at Pine Valley Park starting at 8:30 a.m. and the Labor Day Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Northeastern Hotel and Saloon on Dunlap Island, with beer, brats and burgers available for purchase.

There is no Labor Day picnic, carnival or Oldtimers Banquet this year because of the pandemic and a lack of volunteers and funding for this year’s events.

Tuura said they welcome volunteers for Monday’s parade or planning next year’s event. Just email him at [email protected].

“It’s a rebuilding year,” he said. “We want to make it bigger and better next year and keep building.